Door opens for soccer youths
'This opportunity could change the lives of some of our players, but we need municipalities and corporates to come on board to make it possible'
AFTER winning the hearts of players and coaches in the European developmental soccer leagues while in Ireland, Mtuba Football Academy (MFA) has been invited to attend a talent scouting soccer competition in Italy.
The Sedriano World Cup is an international tournament with the aim of giving players an unforgettable sporting experience and an opportunity to be seen by talent scouts.
MFA is the first South African team to receive an invitation to this prestigious tournament.
‘This is another amazing opportunity for our players and one that would not have come our way had we not gone to the Ireland tournament late last year,’ said MFA head coach, Sheldon Hughes.
‘The tournament will be held from 18–21 April, and because we have more time to put together a team than we had in the run-up to the Irish trip, I am extending the invitation to soccer players from all over our region, not just from Mtuba.’
For the next four Saturdays, starting this week, Hughes is holding trials for all players wanting to earn a spot on the team.
‘Trials will be held at the Riverview sports field in Mtubatuba. We are putting together one U/13 and one U/15 team.
‘The teams will be selected from the try-outs over the next four weeks, so we will have most of February and the whole of March for training and organising documentation.’
While this would be the opportunity of a lifetime for the selected players, Hughes needs sponsorship or funding as the Italian host club will not contribute towards accommodation or airfares as was the case for the Irish trip.
‘The tournament is being held in Milan, which is home to two of Europe’s biggest soccer teams, and talent scouts will be on the lookout for young up-and-coming players.
‘This opportunity could change the lives of some of our players, but we need municipalities and corporates to come on board to make it possible.’
For more information on either trying out for the tournament or sponsoring the teams, Hughes can be contacted on 076 8739927.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
